Canucks chewed up 5-2 by Sharks in Game 3, face elimination on Tuesday

Vancouver Sun | May 6

Dead Team Skating.

That pretty much describes the Vancouver Canucks, who for the second straight year find themselves down 3-0 in a first-round playoff series.

The San Jose Sharks struck for three quick goals early in the third period Sunday night to beat the Canucks 5-2 before a raucous crowd at the HP Pavilion.

It was Stinko de Mayo on Cinco de Mayo for the Canucks, who were awful. The Sharks will try and complete a four-game sweep here on Tuesday night (7 p.m., TSN, Team 1040). Based on what happened here Sunday night, you have to like their chances.

Cory Schneider, after a two-week absence due to an undisclosed injury, started in goal for the Canucks. But he didn't finish the game.

CANUCKS-SHARKS GAME 3 PHOTOS

Schneider was chased at 4:07 of the third when Logan Couture scored his second of the period. Earlier in the third, Couture and Patrick Marleau had scored goals nine seconds apart to blow the game open.

Schneider whiffed on a Couture shot from the top of the left circle at the 1:40 mark on a San Jose power play. That gave the Sharks a 3-1 lead. Marleau then wheeled into the Vancouver zone and put a shot between Schneider's legs.

Couture, on another San Jose power play, put another one between Schneider's legs and that was the end of the night for him. He was replaced by Roberto Luongo.

"I felt pretty good until the start of the third period," Schneider said. "I just didn't do enough, didn't keep my team in it, didn't give them a chance to win. I just let them down in a big way. It's a real disappointing feeling.

"They were working hard enough to tie that game and get a win. But when you give up a couple of goals like that it really doesn't do your teammates any favours."

Schneider needed some time to compose himself before he did his dressing room scrum with the media. And during that time, Luongo came over to whisper words of encouragement.